You Can Nominate a Woman of Worth

Recently, at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering & Service, Arianna and I both addressed the amazing crowd of 4,500 people who assembled to share, learn and celebrate the volunteering spirit that is growing in our country.

The theme of this year's conference,"Civic. Energy. Generation," speaks to a new era of responsible citizenship. Throughout my life, many people have taught and reminded me about the power of volunteering and I now dedicate my time to organizations that utilize the power of art and performance, groups like V-day, Americans for the Arts, The People Speak, and The Creative Coalition. And as one of the spokespersons for L'Oreal Paris, I am also active with their charitable programs, including a special initiative called Women of Worth.

The Women of Worth program is L'Oreal's annual grassroots initiative that recognizes and supports incredible women from all across the country who are organizing, volunteering and making a difference in their communities. I was at this year's Conference on Volunteering & Service to recognize one of last year's Women of Worth honorees -- Cindy Kerr who founded ConKerr Cancer, a not-for-profit organization that gives children fighting cancer hand-made, personalized pillowcases to brighten their hospital rooms. Cindy began designing pillowcases as a way to cheer up her son Ryan as he fought cancer, a fight he ultimately lost last year. But Cindy has continued to find inspiration from Ryan and 90,000 pillowcases later, she gives back to countless other children by gifting pillowcases to others who are courageously fighting their own battles. Her work is a moving example to me and to other artists of how we can use the arts and fine craftsmanship to create more kindness and hope in the world.

I am inspired by Cindy's story, and by all the women out there making a difference in the lives of others. As the deadline for nominating honorees approaches (July 23, 2009), I wanted to help get the word out. You can help determine this year's honorees by nominating someone whose volunteerism is an inspiration to you at www.womenofworth.com.

As First Lady Michelle Obama said at the Conference, we all need to be "ready to answer the call to serve". I encourage everyone to find your call to action and go to www.serve.gov to find an activity that best suits you. And if you believe, as I do, in the power of art to inspire and lift both our spirits and our communities, use the keyword 'ART'.

Comments

[mamacat]

I nominate my mother, my grandmothers, and my partner.

[AdamX]

All women have worth. Why always a focus on women? Aren't they people?

[MzNano]

Ok, the irony here is that apparently L'Oreal doesn't consider women of "color" in some countries of enough "worth" to sell their products. L'Oreal didn't invent the problem of racism, however, they seem to be unconcerned when talking AA women such as yourself and others, caking on makeup to make you "lighter and more appealing".

This is a pathetic attempt to mask what these cosmetic companies promote and encourage. There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a darker tone. Any adult who disagrees should have their head examined.

I applaud anything being done for the sake of higher calling and to help others in need..but problems that AA women face in movies, music and cosmetics won't go away until individuals such as yourself, that is, with a sprinkle of power, stand up and say something. You'd be surprise, other women will back you up.

Oh- I'm taking my own medicine here, I've started a Facebook Group called "Women Evolved" in response to L'Oreal's shameful actions. Contrary to what some wish us to think, there are many different types of women, spreading across many types of cultures that can/will appreciate other women of different cultures.

I'm putting my time where my mouth is to celebrate those women.

[MsMichaelTrese]

Dear MzNano
I'm have been with L'Oreal for 25 years, and all of my colleagues around the world and I know our company to be one that values diversity, in all its incarnations. But I do understand your frustrations with what you have seen in the online press recently. I would be happy to listen to your concerns and those of your group. So please feel free to reach out me at us.loreal.comeal.com.
Kind regards,
Michael Trese, VP External Affairs, L'Oreal Paris (US)

[Sheree Grant]

Very profound! Keep up the good work, and please continue to be a voice for those who are crying out, but cannot be heard.

[MzNano]

We are being heard, that's what their quick response was about!

Thousands of women with the same complaint? No, we're not making these things up, it's visible to anyone willing to be honest about what's being communicated to them as the standard of "beauty". Women are tired of trying to fill the tubs of beauty, wasting away our bodies and effort to fill shoes that are simply not realistic.

We're ready to move, and see other women move on to the next phase and that's what Women Evolved is about. If you're on facebook, come and join. Search for "Women Evolved".

Join our group then tell a friend, there are more women who need to know!